Former Williams F1 driver Sargeant set for racing return in IMSA

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Former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant is set to make a dynamic return to competitive racing, joining PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports for the final two endurance rounds of the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

The 24-year-old American will drive the #52 Oreca 07-Gibson in the six-hour race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 21 and the season-ending ten-hour Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 11.

This move marks a significant chapter for Sargeant, whose abrupt departure from IDEC Sport Racing and the Hyundai Genesis team last February had left fans and pundits speculating about his future.

A Surprising Comeback

Sargeant’s commitment to IMSA signals his determination to remain in the sport. Adding intrigue to his comeback, the American was recently announced as a new client of former Le Mans winner Oliver Gavin’s management group, hinting at a broader strategy to rebuild his racing career.

“I’m super excited to be jumping back into a car for the last two LMP2 races in IMSA with PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports,” Sargeant said.

“It’s a great opportunity to drive at two special tracks, Indianapolis and Road Atlanta, and help push for good results with my teammates Ben and Naveen.

“I’m eager to contribute to a successful couple races for the team, and bring my knowledge and experience to everyone involved. See you at the track.”

A New Team Dynamic

At PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports, Sargeant will share the cockpit with former IndyCar driver Benjamin Pedersen and Bronze-rated driver Naveen Rao.

The team is optimistic about the addition of Sargeant, whose experience in top-tier motorsport is expected to bolster their performance in the LMP2 class.

©PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports

Team principal Bobby Oergel expressed enthusiasm about the signing, emphasizing a smooth integration for the former F1 driver.

“Myself and all the crew here at PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports are very excited that Logan is able to join us for the last two endurance events of this season,” Oergel said.

“I am sure Logan’s pace will be top-notch and everyone will work well together. We really want to welcome him into our team in a smooth and easy fashion. The opportunity to do some testing ahead of the Indy event should do just that.”

A Storied Career

Sargeant’s journey to IMSA is built on a foundation of notable achievements. A world karting champion, he secured multiple podiums in FIA Formula 3 and finished fourth in FIA Formula 2, which paved the way for his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2023.

During his rookie F1 season, Sargeant made history as the first American in three decades to score a championship point, doing so at the 2023 U.S. Grand Prix in Austin.

Despite this milestone, his tenure at Williams was cut short after the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, leading to a brief stint with Genesis Magma Racing’s Hypercar program alongside Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani before his unexpected exit last winter.

Now, with a fresh opportunity in IMSA, Sargeant is poised to leverage his experience and speed to hopefully make an impact in prototype racing.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.